Do you have any questions?

Share this page:

Tucked away thirty minutes south of the bustling streets of Hobart sits the historic and scenic Tinderbox suburb. Perfectly situated atop a densely forested hill overlooking Bruny Island, Storm Bay, D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the Iron Pot Lighthouse at the mouth of the Derwent River, these advantageous views offered the perfect site for a military fort and training grounds during WWII. While some evidence of the area’s history can still be seen, the suburb now offers its residents a place of peace and solace, and for visitors of the private retreat AERIE, a chance to literally soak in the views from a Tasmanian Timber clad hot tub.

Set amongst the treetops perched on the side of a hill
proudly rests the apartment style private retreat, AERIE. Project Manager and
owner of AERIE Braye Sutherland, carefully selected all the materials used for
the retreat. Having been formerly employed by the UN, Braye and his wife lived
in multiple countries around the world before coming back to their home state
of Tasmania. Careful to incorporate design elements inspired by their time
abroad they have also paid tribute to local and sustainable materials including
Tasmanian hardwoods, which can be found throughout the guest apartment.

“Material quality and sustainability are always at the top of the list when it comes to what matters most in a design. I can always expect to find a superior product in Tasmanian hardwoods which made the decision to feature this timber throughout the retreat space a given.”

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Bringing the outdoors in, Tasmanian Oak lines the floors
throughout the apartment’s interior bringing a sense of warmth to the retreat that
overlooks the often-turbulent sea and sky.

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Incorporating a one of a kind handmade Tapa Cloth from their
time in the Ha’apai Islands in Tonga as a part of the decor, the textile is featured
on the living room wall, beautifully framed by parallel running sawn Tasmanian timber
planks, kept raw and untreated to show off their character. Playful walls can
also be found in the bedroom and kitchen, where the trace of timber beams can
be seen through panes of clouded glass.

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

“I especially love the feature wall where we chose to keep the timber in its natural state, showing off the beauty of the grain. As a sailor and having a general fondness towards boats this style of timber paneling reflects the parallel planking found on boats.”

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Utilizing Danish trained and Launceston based local furniture
maker Richard Ellis, the apartment is complete with bespoke Tasmanian Oak, King
Billy Pine and leather furniture including two sofas, a coffee table, bed frame
and side tables.

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Outside of the apartment down a bush hidden path and dozens
of steps, rests a secluded outdoor spa oasis complete with a firepit, sea water
hot tub and fire lit sauna both lined in Tasmanian timber to blend in with the
nature’s surroundings.

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

“What started as a design project out of boredom led to this beautiful custom retreat we designed with our guests in mind. Knowing they could be from anywhere in the world we thought it was only fitting to add worldly elements while using local artisans and materials like Tasmanian hardwood into the design.”

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Photo credit: Sam Shelley

Subscribe Today.

Get the latest Tasmanian Timber projects, stories and inspiration straight into your inbox.